Menopause expert Niki Bezzant has some bad news for us: we can't blame our midlife weight gain on menopause. Niki joins Francesca and Louise to discuss what's really behind that sneaky middle age spread and what role menopause plays if it doesn't directly cause it. They also discuss hormone therapy, breast density, and how to manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

Menopause expert Niki Bezzant has some bad news for us: we can't blame our midlife weight gain on menopause. Niki joins Francesca and Louise to discuss what's really behind that sneaky middle age spread and what role menopause plays if it doesn't directly cause it. They also discuss hormone therapy, breast density, and how to manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

In a world where well-being influencers are driven by endorsements, wellness trends generally come at a cost, and busy lives disrupt our best intentions, all many women want are simple, science-based facts to help us live a productive, happy balanced life.   

Enter The Little Things. Broadcaster Francesca Rudkin and health researcher Louise Ayrey have been friends for over a decade and have been through it all, and along the way have learned the benefits of practical information over costly fads. Join them for new episodes on Saturdays where they talk to experts on health, wellbeing, parenting and relationships to give you the information you need to thrive!

In a world where well-being influencers are driven by endorsements, wellness trends generally come at a cost, and busy lives disrupt our best intentions, all many women want are simple, science-based facts to help us live a productive, happy balanced life.   
Enter The Little Things. Broadcaster Francesca Rudkin and health researcher Louise Ayrey have been friends for over a decade and have been through it all, and along the way have learned the benefits of practical information over costly fads. Join them for new episodes on Saturdays where they talk to experts on health, wellbeing, parenting and relationships to give you the information you need to thrive!

The Little Things

Why you can't blame menopause for weight gain

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/02a5ce8e-bafb-48f8-b4f9-b4270167ceda/transcript

Why are erotic books and TV shows having a moment? And is our appetite for them really new?

On this episode of The Little Things, Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey talk to author and sex historian Dr Esmé Louise James about the history of erotic fiction, from Fanny Hill to today’s romantasy boom. They discuss the appeal of shows such as Heated Rivalry and Bridgerton, the shame that has surrounded women’s reading choices, and whether exploring desire on the page can help us understand ourselves and communicate with a partner.

James is the creator of Kinky History and author of Becoming Venus.

Why are erotic books and TV shows having a moment? And is our appetite for them really new?
On this episode of The Little Things, Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey talk to author and sex historian Dr Esm&eacute; Louise James about the history of erotic fiction, from Fanny Hill to today&rsquo;s romantasy boom. They discuss the appeal of shows such as Heated Rivalry and Bridgerton, the shame that has surrounded women&rsquo;s reading choices, and whether exploring desire on the page can help us understand ourselves and communicate with a partner.
James is the creator of Kinky History and author of Becoming Venus.

Why are we so obsessed with smutty books and TV shows?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4caea684-5c2d-4f50-9261-b4d00000a92c/transcript

For some women, the days before their period bring much more than the usual symptoms of PMS.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, can cause severe changes in mood, anxiety, irritability, fatigue and concentration — disrupting work, relationships and everyday life.

Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey are joined by clinical neuropsychologist Dr Caroline Gurvich to explain what PMDD is, why some women may be particularly sensitive to hormonal changes, its links with ADHD and perimenopause, and how it can be diagnosed and treated.

Plus, why tracking your symptoms could be the first step towards recognising that something more than PMS is going on.

For some women, the days before their period bring much more than the usual symptoms of PMS.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, can cause severe changes in mood, anxiety, irritability, fatigue and concentration &mdash; disrupting work, relationships and everyday life.
Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey are joined by clinical neuropsychologist Dr Caroline Gurvich to explain what PMDD is, why some women may be particularly sensitive to hormonal changes, its links with ADHD and perimenopause, and how it can be diagnosed and treated.
Plus, why tracking your symptoms could be the first step towards recognising that something more than PMS is going on.

PMDD: When ‘just PMS’ is something much more serious

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ae7ace8d-9cf8-4c4c-bf44-b4c20027dbfc/transcript

Public speaking can be terrifying – even for people who do it for a living.

Broadcaster Toni Street joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to share the lessons she’s learned from 20 years in radio and television, including how to manage nerves, connect with an audience, stop chasing perfection and become a more confident communicator.

Plus, why preparation matters, how body language can change the way you feel, and why saying yes to intimidating opportunities can help build confidence over time.

Public speaking can be terrifying &ndash; even for people who do it for a living.
Broadcaster Toni Street joins Francesca Rudkin and Louise Ayrey to share the lessons she&rsquo;s learned from 20 years in radio and television, including how to manage nerves, connect with an audience, stop chasing perfection and become a more confident communicator.
Plus, why preparation matters, how body language can change the way you feel, and why saying yes to intimidating opportunities can help build confidence over time.

How to speak with confidence (even when you’re nervous)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d3796703-2c6d-4a88-b878-b4b4002fa3f2/transcript

Why you can't blame menopause for weight gain

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